Thomas Lukaszuk

Last updated

The Honourable
Thomas Lukaszuk
ECA
Thomas Lukaszuk, MLA Deputy Premier.jpg
Lukaszuk in 2012
MLA for Edmonton-Castle Downs
In office
March 12, 2001 –May 5, 2015

Backbench career 2001–2008

In 2001, Edmonton-Castle Downs MLA Pamela Paul's retirement opened the door for Lukaszuk to stand for election. Garnering 5,971 votes in the 2001 provincial election, he was able to increase the Progressive Conservative vote share to 51 per cent, up from the 40 per cent Ihor Broda polled in losing to Paul in 1997. Upon his election, he became the first ever Polish-born person to be elected to a Canadian legislature. [2]

In his first term in office, Lukaszuk sponsored Bill 204, a private member's bill known as the Blood Samples Act, which passed third reading on March 31, 2004 and was passed into law on May 11, 2004. The act granted authority to Good Samaritans, front-line emergency workers, police officers, fire fighters, correctional officers, and health service providers to seek an order from the justice system to take a blood sample from a person who has refused to give their consent. The act protected individuals who believed they had come into contact with the body fluid of a person who is infected with a virus that causes a prescribed communicable disease. [3]

In his time as an MLA, Lukaszuk has served on a total of 21 legislative committees, chairing six of them. After being elected to his third term in 2008, Premier Ed Stelmach named him parliamentary assistant to Municipal Affairs Minister Ray Danyluk.

2004 election

On the night of the 2004 provincial election, Lukaszuk was declared defeated by the Liberal Party candidate Chris Kibermanis, a former draft pick of the NHL's Winnipeg Jets. Unofficial results showed Kibermanis winning by a five-vote margin over Lukaszuk. An automatic judicial recount confirmed Kibermanis's win by three votes rather than five, and Kibermanis was declared the winner by Elections Alberta. However, Lukaszuk appealed the recount three times, to the Alberta Court of Appeals, disputing a number of rejected ballots. The third presiding judge gave Lukaszuk a three-vote margin of victory. [2] The ordeal earned Lukaszuk the moniker "Landslide Lukaszuk," which has been ascribed to him in the local media. Kibermanis again challenged Lukaszuk in the 2008 provincial election, but was defeated by 2,080 votes. [4] [5]

Stelmach cabinet appointment 2010

On January 13, 2010, Lukaszuk was appointed as Minister of Employment and Immigration in the government of Ed Stelmach. He introduced a number of reforms to occupational health and safety programs. [6] The changes included releasing information about employers’ safety records online, [7] introducing “blitz” inspections, [8] and hiring additional health and safety officers. [9]

Redford cabinet 2011–2014

On October 12, 2011, he was sworn in as Minister of Education under Alison Redford. [10] That same day, government provided $107 million [11] in funding to school boards to deal with growth pressures. Over his term, Lukaszuk would change the provisions for public education in Morinville to make it the same as elsewhere in the province, [12] and reduce the administrative burden for charter schools. [13]

Redford appointed him Deputy Premier on May 8, 2012, [14] and in July named him as Ministerial Liaison to the Canadian Forces. [15] On February 4, 2013 he was appointed as Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education. In July 2013, he was named one of the 50 most influential Albertans for having “proven himself to be one of the most capable and influential members” of the government. [16]

In a cabinet shuffle on December 6, 2013, he was replaced as Deputy Premier by Dave Hancock, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education, and given responsibility for a new ministry of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour.

Lukaszuk resigned from cabinet on May 22, 2014 in order to stand in the Alberta Progressive Conservative Association's leadership election after Redford was forced to resign from the premiership due to a scandal concerning her expenses. During the campaign scandals arose regarding roaming charges of more than $20,000 charged to taxpayers during a personal vacation and revelations concerning the presence of his daughter on government flights. He placed third with 11.4% support in the vote that elected Jim Prentice party leader. [17]

Lukaszuk was not re-appointed to the cabinet of Jim Prentice when he formed government. During the Alberta election on May 5, 2015, he lost his seat in the legislative assembly.

Controversies

Mr Lukaszuk was found to be using his government cell phone on a personal trip to Israel and Poland in 2012. The leaked Gov't report showed that he accumulated over $20,000 in roaming charges at the expense of Alberta taxpayers during this personal trip. [18] Although the trip was personal Lukaszuk was continuing to work at the time and the charges were a result of his need to stay in contact in his capacity as Deputy Premier. Mr Lukaszuk did apologize for the charges incurred by the Gov't. [19] In spring 2013 the Progressive Conservatives tabled their first Alberta budget since reelection. The government failed to honour its 2012 provincial election promises to continue to increase post-secondary education at a rate of 2%. Instead the budget was cut by 7.2%. [20] A 9.2% shortfall. Lukaszuk, as the newly appointed Deputy Premier and Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education, [21] presided over these controversial cuts and layoffs at Alberta's colleges and universities. Post-secondary institutions were given a letter of expectation with regards to spending priorities, which was released publicly by University of Alberta. [22] The ongoing controversy surrounding the branding of "Campus Alberta" in this letter has been closely covered by media outlets. [23] Lukaszuk has also made it clear that post-secondary institutions should not make up shortfalls with tuition increases [24] or otherwise additional fees. [25] However, actual students costs have been impacted. At University of Alberta alone, $500,000 in scholarships to attract top students were cut to make up this loss. [26] Graduate funding has also been reduced and in many cases removed. Administrator salaries were not cut due to a collective bargaining agreement. Lukaszuk confirmed that the government would send in a special team of independent financial consultants to review university books and to find faster budget cuts. [27] These consultants never showed up. [28]

On October 9, 2013, following 900 academic staff and faculty job losses across the province, Lukazuk announced $142.5 million had come available to construct a new Engineering building at University of Calgary. [29] This figure was a controversial amount, close to the $147 million needed to reverse cuts eight months before. The decision was also at odds with Lukaszuk's written assurances to university administrators on July 3, 2013 that he would advocate to reverse the budget cuts if additional money became available: "Look guys, you’re not happy, I’m not happy with this budget. But this is the reality.... The moment I have any extra dollars I can access, I’ll be the first on my knees before the treasury board advocating for you to get your dollars. But in the meantime, get your financial houses in order," he said. [30] $50 million in additional operating funds was provided in November 2013, eight months after the budget was tabled. The delay caused permanent layoffs and closures of programs across the province. [31] Lukaszuk has since been reassigned to a different government file.

On August 10, 2023, Lukaszuk claimed he was the victim of spying by the Polish government. [32]

Personal life

Lukaszuk enjoys travelling, reading and participating in activities with his family. He coached soccer through the Edmonton Northwood Community League, has been a Scout leader and is a strong supporter of the Hope Foundation, Camp fYrefly, and ABC Headstart. He is a past president of the Youth Friendship Society. He has been decorated with the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for his community service and the Alberta Centennial Medal for his contributions to the province. [1]

Lukaszuk is an active member of the Castle Downs Recreation Society, which builds playgrounds in developing countries. He has been involved in projects in the Philippines and Vietnam, and is currently supporting one in Nicaragua.

Lukaszuk has two daughters, one with his current wife, news anchor Stacey Brotzel CTV Edmonton and one with his previous wife. [33]

Post-Politics

In 2022 in response to the invasion of Ukraine Lukaszuk along with former premier Ed Stelmach spearheaded an initiative to collect supplies for Ukrainian refugees who had fled the invasion of Ukraine by Russia to Poland. They were successful in leading a donation drive that raised 35 million worth of supplies and also arranging for its airlift to Poland. [34]

Election results

2015 general election

2015 Alberta general election : Edmonton-Castle Downs
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
New Democratic Nicole Goehring 11,68964.46%51.83%
Progressive Conservative Thomas Lukaszuk 4,18223.06%-29.54%
Wildrose Gerrit Roosenboom1,3837.63%-13.89%
Liberal Todd Ross8804.85%-6.69%
Total18,134––
Rejected, spoiled and declined69––
Eligible electors / turnout35,64151.07%1.17%
New Democratic gain from Progressive Conservative Swing 5.16%
Source(s)
Source: "30 - Edmonton-Castle Downs, 2015 Alberta general election". officialresults.elections.ab.ca. Elections Alberta . Retrieved May 21, 2020.

2012 general election

2012 Alberta general election : Edmonton-Castle Downs
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Progressive Conservative Thomas A. Lukaszuk 8,05452.60%1.05%
Wildrose John Oplanich3,29521.52%–
New Democratic Brian Labelle1,93412.63%2.97%
Liberal Kim Cassady1,76811.55%-25.11%
Alberta Party Jeff Funnell2601.70%–
Total15,311––
Rejected, spoiled and declined62––
Eligible electors / turnout30,80449.91%9.59%
Progressive Conservative hold Swing 8.09%
Source(s)
Source: "30 - Edmonton-Castle Downs, 2012 Alberta general election". officialresults.elections.ab.ca. Elections Alberta . Retrieved May 21, 2020.

2008 general election

2008 Alberta general election results ( Edmonton-Castle Downs )Turnout 40.3%
AffiliationCandidateVotes%
Progressive Conservative Thomas Lukaszuk7,15951.6%
Liberal Chris Kibermanis5,09036.7%
Green Bob Reckhow2972.1%
New Democratic Ali Haymour1,3419.7%

2004 general election

2004 Alberta general election results ( Edmonton-Castle Downs )Turnout 41.3%
AffiliationCandidateVotes%
Progressive Conservative Thomas Lukaszuk5,02241.8%
Liberal Chris Kibermanis5,01941.8%
Alberta Alliance Colin Presizniuk5864.9%
New Democratic Peter Cross1,31410.9%
Social Credit Ross Korpi780.6%

2001 general election

2001 Alberta general election results ( Edmonton-Castle Downs )Turnout 46.9%
AffiliationCandidateVotes%
Progressive Conservative Thomas Lukaszuk5,97151.1%
Liberal Boris Yaremko4,47938.3%
New Democratic Michael Charrois1,23510.6%

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References

  1. 1 2 "Legislative Assembly of Alberta". www.assembly.ab.ca.
  2. 1 2 O'Brien, Chris. "Castle Downs MLA demonstrates mythical spirit". Archived from the original on April 16, 2014. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
  3. ↑ "Bill Status Report for the 25th Legislature - 4th Session (2004)". Archived from the original on 2008-01-13.
  4. ↑ Markusoff, Jason (2008-02-05). "Edmonton provincial election ridings". Edmonton Journal. Archived from the original on 2012-11-05. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
  5. ↑ Thompson, Graham (2008-02-09). "Local Tory MLAs say there are no shoo-ins". Edmonton Journal. Archived from the original on 2012-11-05. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
  6. ↑ "News release". Government of Alberta. 2010-07-30. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  7. ↑ "News release". Government of Alberta. 2010-09-30. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  8. ↑ "News release". Government of Alberta. 2010-10-08. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  9. ↑ "News release". Government of Alberta. 2010-11-05. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  10. ↑ "New Cabinet team focused on Albertans' priorities". Government of Alberta. 2011-10-12. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  11. ↑ "School boards report on the $107 million boost to education funding". Government of Alberta. 2011-12-19. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  12. ↑ "Public education redefined for Morinville, Legal and St. Albert areas". Government of Alberta. 2012-02-22. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  13. ↑ "Charter schools' renewal terms extended to 15 years". Government of Alberta. 2012-03-01. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  14. ↑ Alberta, Government of. "New Cabinet team focused on growing Alberta's future". www.alberta.ca. Retrieved 2020-03-31.
  15. ↑ Alberta, Government of. "Premier Redford announces new Ministerial Liaison to the Canadian Forces". www.alberta.ca. Retrieved 2020-03-31.
  16. ↑ "Thomas Lukaszuk: Alberta's 50 Most Influential People 2013". AlbertaVenture.com. Retrieved 2020-03-31.
  17. ↑ "Alberta PC leadership vote: Jim Prentice wins on 1st ballot". CBC News. September 6, 2014. Retrieved September 6, 2014.
  18. ↑ https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/former-alberta-government-contravened-privacy-act-over-thomas-lukaszuks-cellphone-charges/
  19. ↑ "Thomas Lukaszuk apologizes for $20K cellphone bill". CBC News . 2014-08-24. p. 1. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  20. ↑ "Universities, students and staff push back against post-secondary budget cuts. – daveberta.ca – Alberta Politics". 25 March 2013. Retrieved 2020-03-31.
  21. ↑ Thomas Lukaszuk Press Conference — Feb. 4, 2013, archived from the original on 2021-12-21, retrieved 2020-03-31
  22. ↑ "English profs tear apart letter of expectation | The Gateway". thegatewayonline.ca. Archived from the original on 2013-04-07.
  23. ↑ "U of A 'teach-in' protests budget cuts | CBC News".
  24. ↑ "Metro News". Archived from the original on 2013-05-30. Retrieved 2013-10-20.
  25. ↑ Metro News [ dead link ]
  26. ↑ "News". www.su.ualberta.ca. Retrieved 2020-03-31.
  27. ↑ "Lukaszuk to appoint financial consultants to help the U of A balance its budget". Archived from the original on 2013-08-23.
  28. ↑ "Provincial government drops financial review of U of A | The Gateway". thegatewayonline.ca. Archived from the original on 2013-10-21.
  29. ↑ "U of C engineering school gets $142.5M for expansion | CBC News".
  30. ↑ "Financial review was cancelled due to U of A compliance, Lukaszuk says | The Gateway". thegatewayonline.ca. Archived from the original on 2013-10-21.
  31. ↑ "Advanced Education". www.alberta.ca. Retrieved 2020-03-31.
  32. ↑ "Canadian government probing allegations Poland wanted to surveil former Alberta cabinet minister". cbc.ca. 2023-08-10. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  33. ↑ "Broadcaster Brotzel delivers in time for 11 o'clock news". Archived from the original on June 20, 2014.
  34. ↑ Martin, Nathan (2022-07-22). "Former Alberta MLA and former premier ship last of the donations to help people in Ukraine". Edmonton Journal. p. 1. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
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